driftfleet | [snuggle up real close everyone]

Was there a version of him there or is Loki here really into bacon?

Another version. Younger. Very different. He was easy to like.

[ It's hard to talk about Loki. About Ruby. ]

Kid Loki? I know him too. Or one of him. Not that well though.

[ He blinks before smiling, pleased. ]

He was part of my team. We were family, of sorts.

I will keep that in mind if our paths cross again. [Because any family of Leto's is someone she'd watch out for. Not that she imagines any Loki needs much help in that area.]

Have you met the one here?

I have.

[ He can't say more. Loki isn't cheating on Rogue with Leto, but he knows that Loki has doubts about it. Feelings are . . . confusing. Monogamy, even more so. ]

I've shared a few details with him. Loki is Loki. I owe him.

You think so? [She can't really disagree. How fast did she feel that way about an Allen who didn't remember her?] It's interesting how much we have to test those limits in these places. People with the same faces and different names. People with the same names and different faces. People with the same of both, but different pasts or memories. I'm not sure if this is a reality show or a soap opera complete with evil twins back from the dead.

[ He shrugs. ]

I would know the difference. There's only one person I would fear to see, fear to look into his eyes and have him forget me.

[She's doesn't know who would fit that description for her if anyone. She's already seen a Piotr who knew a different her, but obviously loved her and a Wolverine who could barely place her face and definitely didn't know her name. Her parents maybe, but... But it would just be so good to see them and know that somewhere some version of them were alive. It might be easier to see Reid again if he didn't remember not just because she's with Winn now, but because of everything that passed between them.] Who is that?

[ Leto is quiet for a while, letting his expressive rest on the board. ]

His name is Kanda Yuu. He was on Ruby. We . . . shared a great deal. Vows.

[ A smile flits through his face. ] Most people don't vow to protect me. Due to the fact that it is quite unnecessary to protect an invulnerable prescient being. But he did that and more.

I felt human around him. That is not an easy thing for me.

[Well that was not a name she could have possibly guessed, but it is a familiar one which is probably clear from her expression. She's never been as good at keeping it neutral as she should have been. Then again, she was an assassin, not a spy.

She reaches across the chess board to take his hand and give it a squeeze.] I'm glad you had that. [And sad he lost it, but that part is obvious, right? She wonders at the vows. Were they just for protection or is he telling her that he married Kanda? It's... Well, she's having a hard time picturing it. Maybe because the Kanda she knew never dated anyone in the prison. He was certainly protective of Lenalee though.]

So am I. He went home because that was where he was meant to be and I was meant to be elsewhere.

[ He squeezes back gently. ] I'm only grateful.

Also, and I'm not trying to creep in on your connection here, but you realize me telling you about The Stalker is kind of my way of needlessly protecting you, right? [Does it mean less if she's protective of everyone? She just wants him to know he's not alone here.]

I don't think the Stalker is interested in us.

No, maybe only his prey. But I prefer preparedness just in case.

[ Leto can't really fathom it. People have rarely fretted so over his life. Ghanima would, of course, because Leto and Ghanima are tied, connected. Two halves of the same soul. Even on Ruby, people rarely worried about Leto because he was always in control. Always safe and steady.

Everything dies. Leto can see it every time he opens his eyes. ]

I would not let anything happen to the ship. For the most part.

I'm going to pretend "for the most part" wasn't a little uncomfortable and just let you know that I'm glad, but not surprised, to hear it.

I cannot prevent the future from occurring.

Well, that's probably a good thing. Futures tend to be necessary for things to keep moving on. [Even if she rarely ever thinks of having a future herself.]

[ He nods. ]

And I dislike meddling more than I need to.

What is your baseline required amount of meddling dislike? [Kitty, please. How do you have friends?]

It depends. There's no concrete method to it.

So imprecise. It's a good thing we became friends before I found out about your meddling dislike practices.

[ He relaxes a little. He's never sure if he's said too much or too little. ]

It comes to a great relief.

[She'll forgive either even if it gets bumpy. Right now, she's just being silly.]

Good. Keep that in mind as I crush you at chess. [That is so unlikely. A win? Maaaybe. A crushing win? Nope.]

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